Conversation 005-115

TapeTape 5StartThursday, June 17, 1971 at 6:55 PMEndThursday, June 17, 1971 at 6:56 PMTape start time03:33:51Tape end time03:34:35ParticipantsNixon, Richard M. (President); Colson, Charles W.Recording deviceWhite House Telephone

AI Summary

President Nixon instructed Charles Colson to deliver an ultimatum to former President Lyndon B. Johnson regarding the ongoing controversy surrounding the Pentagon Papers. Nixon informed Colson that he would only publicly defend Johnson during an upcoming press engagement in Rochester if Johnson concurrently committed to defending himself during his own scheduled press conference. Colson agreed to relay this demand immediately via Bryce Harlow to ensure Nixon received an answer by that evening.

Pentagon PapersLyndon B. JohnsonPress relationsPolitical strategyBryce Harlow

Audio

NARA Description

On June 17, 1971, President Richard M. Nixon and Charles W. Colson talked on the telephone from 6:55 pm to 6:56 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 005-115 of the White House Tapes.

Nixon Library Finding Aid

Conversation No. 5-115

Date: June 17, 1971
Time: 6:55 pm - 6:56 pm
Location: White House Telephone

The President talked with Charles W. Colson.

[See Conversation No. 261-18]

     Pentagon Papers
          -Ultimatum to Lyndon B. Johnson
          -President's possible defense of Johnson in Rochester, June 18th
          -Johnson's defense of himself
          -Bryce N. Harlow

Transcript (AI-Generated)

This transcript was generated automatically by AI and has not been reviewed for accuracy. Do not cite this transcript as authoritative. Consult the Finding Aid above for verified information.

Yes, sir, Mr. President.

I want a straight ultimatum put to Johnson.

All right, sir.

And the ultimatum is this, that tomorrow in Rochester I'll have 200 of the Washington press corps covering me.

I am prepared to defend him and the system and the rest, but I cannot do it unless he is prepared to go on Saturday in a press conference to defend himself.

I cannot, otherwise I've just got to let the chips fall where they may.

Mm-hmm.

I need to know.

I need to know tonight.

I'm preparing the press conference.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir.

I have reached Bryce, and he's on a line holding for me, so I'll give it to him as direct and try to get him through right away.

That's it.

I'll get back to you, sir.

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